It’s hard not to fall for the underdog, and pets with special needs tend to tug on our heartstrings the hardest, of course. Although it can be rewarding to give that special creature a loving forever home, caring for a pet with unique needs isn’t for the fainthearted; in fact, it usually means that these pets require a lot of extra time, patience, and often a change in your normal routine to accommodate their needs. For those animal lovers who are determined to open their hearts and arms, here’s what you should be prepared to do when you’re adopting that special cat or dog.
Do Your Research
What specific problems or needs does your new pet have? Do they need medication, prescription food, special training, or a particular home care routine? Although Dr. Google is where many people turn to for advice, it’s better to talk with professionals like your veterinarian, behaviorist, and staff at the rescue or shelter that you’re adopting from. Ask about what the future may hold for your pet, especially if they have a chronic disease that affects their long term health.
Expect to Spend More On Vet Bills
Although vet bills certainly add up over time for any pet, many special needs cats and dogs are going to need to see the veterinarian more often, making a larger dent in your pocketbook. If you’re thinking that pet insurance can help, keep in mind that most policies don’t cover claims for conditions that already exist when your pet is enrolled, unfortunately. Calculate the monthly or yearly costs for any special food, medication or treatment and make sure that you have the financial can-do to properly take care of your pet.
Be Realistic About the Time and Effort Needed
Even if the additional tasks of caring for a special needs furry friend seem small at first, they can be taxing and time consuming, especially for pets that have more than one issue. The extra care that your adopted furry family member needs could affect your daily routine, your social life, and maybe even family vacation plans. Write down a care plan for your feline friend or tail wagging canine companion that outlines what they need, and what each family member will do to keep your pet comfortable, healthy and happy.
Make Sure Your Home Setup Works – For Everyone
Accommodating an animal’s unique needs is especially important. Here are some examples of accommodations you might need to make for your new furry friend:
- Deaf Pet: Providing scented and visual cues around the house, walking on leash only to prevent them from wandering away, teaching them hand signal commands.
- Blind Pet: Gating off dangerous areas like pools and stairs, using tools like bells at the outside door to mark important areas for your pet. You might find that a blind pet becomes anxious when you’re away from them, making it hard to leave them alone.
- Amputee or Wheelchair-Bound Pet: A dog or cat that has mobility issues might need ramps to get to their potty area or into the car, as well as some extra help to get around. They’re also at a higher risk for becoming overweight and developing arthritis because of the extra stress on their joints, and paralyzed pets may be incontinent, which means that frequent floor cleanup and baths are necessary.
- Chronic Diseases: Owners of pets with illnesses like diabetes or kidney disease might need to make fresh water and potty areas more easily accessible, and be home at very specific times to give their furry friends medications.
- Behavioral Issues: Pets that haven’t been socialized well or come from rescue situations are often scared, insecure, or even reactive, so it’s no surprise that many of them need extra care in the form of time consuming desensitization and training. You might need to avoid other pets temporarily (or completely), change your routine in order to stay with your cat or dog, and be cautious when introducing visitors that enter your home, for example.
The responsibility of adding a special needs family member can be daunting for anyone, which is why preparation is so important. If you’re up to the task, however, there’s a cat or dog out there that will be forever grateful – after all, you’re giving them the chance of a lifetime.
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